Should I or Shouldn't I

[anthonyjames]

Well my BBB are 3 weeks old today and I have been raising them with some barred rocks that are 2 weeks older. They are all still in the brooder. I would like to get them out to the hoop house and pasture. Is 3 weeks good or do I really have to wait the 4th week?

Temps here are in the high 80's low 90's and 75% humidity.

They have have big time feathers for their wings. Must be at least 4 inches long

 

[Dogfish]

Mine went outside once they were 5 weeks. My main concern was getting them big enough to fend off the older birds that were about 13 weeks at the time. If they are your only birds, and they get along, maybe let them out for short periods of time. I'm assuming they no longer need heat. Make sure they know where their new home is first before you let them free range.

 

[anthonyjames]

They would be free ranging until they are about 8 6 - 10 weeks old. I planned on keeping them in the hoop house tractor that is 8 x 10 and moving it every other day or daily.

 

[Tunastopper]

I would wait. They are way to young.

 

[anthonyjames]

What is the biggest reason to keep them in the brooder so long? I guess I just don't get it as I have had chicks on pasture after 2 weeks. I know they are not bright but if I have roosts, food, water and grass with a covered hoop they won't be fine?

The hoops are here:
http://gallery.me.com/anthonyjames420#100439&bgcolor=black&view=grid

They would be going in the hoop house in the first 3 photos and I have a portable roost for them currently that I would put in there.

 

[Tunastopper]

They have not devoloped a immune system at a young age. They will get sick easy.